Kansas City Mayor Lucas issued a “Stay at Home” order for Kansas City that requires Kansas Citians to stay at home and extends school closures. The order will take effect Tuesday, March 24 at 12:01 a.m.

According to a recent release, Mayor Lucas, in consultation with Health Department Director Dr. Rex Archer and Emergency Medical Services Medical Director Dr. Erica Carney— issued the order that requires Kansas Citians to stay at home except for “essential activities” to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and healthcare facilities will remain open.

Essential activities include:

• To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family and close personal aquaintances, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home;
• To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or close personal acquaintances, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
• To assist in the preparation of food and drink for delivery and carry out, or to pick up food or drink for carry out;
• To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements, by way of example and without limitation, walking, biking, hiking, or running;
• To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Order; and
• To care for a family member, close personal acquaintance, or pet in another household;

“Essential activities” do not include weddings, funerals, wakes, memorial services, or similar gatherings.

School Closures

Mayor Lucas has also updated the State of Emergency order to extend all school closures in the Missouri-side of the metropolitan area through Friday, April 24.

This was done with support from superintendents from all 14 school districts and other education leaders.

Daycares and early childhood programs will remain exempt from this order.

Mayor Lucas will review this Order and update as needed, prior to the April 24, 2020 expiration.